A Guide to the Fashion Subcultures of Japan

Find out what style clique is for you in the Land of the Rising Sun.

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Complex Original

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There are always arguments on what city ranks as the undisputed fashion capital of the world. London, Milan, New York, and Paris are always in the conversation. But in terms of pulling off more advanced style, Tokyo straight up kills it. No where is fashion more progressive. That's why designers look to this city when they need inspiration for new collections. The style subcultures found in districts like Harajuku, Ginza, and Shibuya, just to name a few, are unmatched in Europe or the US.

There are a variety of styles underneath the Japanese fashion umbrella. Since many of these style tribes can easily crossover and change season to season, classifying them is not easy. Each group is separated into certain kei (style) sub-genres, and there are tons of magazines that target each demographic. As for authenticity when adopting other culture's styles, the Japanese execute everything perfectly down to the smallest detail. If you’re travelling to Japan or just want to find out what kei you fall under, here is A Guide to the Fashion Subcultures of Japan.

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Kireime kei

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Salon Boy

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Japanese Chicanos

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Mode

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Visual kei

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Urahara kei

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Rockabilly

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Gyaruo

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Onii kei

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Street kei

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